The Miami Dolphins ended their silence on the Jonathan Martin situation, releasing a statement this morning saying they’ve been in touch with the troubled offensive tackle who left the team nearly a week ago. They did not flat out say there was no bullying in the locker room, but called it “speculation” and said it hasn’t been raised as a concern to them:

“The Miami Dolphins, including Coach Joe Philbin and Jonathan’s teammates, have been in communication with Jonathan and his family since his departure from the club and continue to be in contact. Our primary concern for Jonathan is his overall health and well-being. As an organization, we take any accusations of player misconduct seriously.

The notion of bullying is based on speculation and has not been presented to us as a concern from Jonathan or anyone else internally. The reports that the NFLPA is investigating our players are inaccurate. Additionally, the NFL offered its assistance during this time, which we appreciated and gladly accepted. We will continue to make Jonathan’s health and well-being a focus as we do with all of our players.”

The NFLPA released a statement last night saying that they were not investigating Dolphins left guard Richie Incognito or any other players. ESPN had said Friday night that the NFLPA was investigating Incognito for harassing teammate Martin.

Incognito this morning called out ESPN on Twitter:

“Shame on you for attaching my name to false speculation. I won’t be holding my breathe for an apology.”

He then tagged ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Twitter and wrote:

“Enough is enough. If you or any of the agents you sound off for have a problem with me, you know where to find me #BRINGIT.”

Later he tagged various national publications and wrote:
“I want my name CLEARED.”

But the story has not died. CBSSports released a story this morning — after the Dolphins statement came out — insisting that Incognito was the ring leader in harassing Martin and Pouncey was also involved.

The CBS story claims that “Incognito has had to be reprimanded in the past for his actions toward team employees” and that Martin has no plans to come back to the Dolphins and is waiting to see if the team takes any action.

The story quotes a source alleging that Martin “is genuinely scared of what Incognito might do to him, or has threatened to do to him.”a

Schefter then reported this morning that Martin was “intimidated by Incognito to contribute $15,000 toward a trip to Las Vegas by the team’s offensive lineman.” Martin allegedly didn’t even go on the trip but spent the money.

The ESPN report also said that Dolphins coach Joe Philbin tried to get Martin’s parents to do a joint press release with the team, saying the family and team are working together to resolve issues. Martin’s father refused.

The article said that Martin’s parents are unhappy that the Dolphins are insinuating that Incognito is getting a bad rap and that Martin was just the subject of traditional hazing.

Martin is reportedly with family and has sought counseling. NFL.com reported that Martin texted Incognito saying he doesn’t specifically blame players for his departure but that the culture around the locker room got to him.

Martin, a second-year tackle, left the club after being frustrated by what teammates said were routine locker-room pranks. Several national publications quoted sources saying Martin was regularly bullied and harassed.

Dolphins players told The Palm Beach Post after Thursday’s win over the Bengals that normal locker room stuff made Martin snap, and it wasn’t anything that doesn’t go on in any other locker rooms or to other players.

He is being excused from the team with a “non-football injury,” according to coach Joe Philbin.

Twitter @AbramsonPBP

Because of a technical issue comments might not appear immediately. We are working to resolve this problem.